Well, we scanned the papers altered them, and put Tommys name on as the owner. It was the last present he opened up this morning. The paper was framed and on the top. He got it out and read part of it. I asked him what it said. He read the AMHR part, and then I asked him who was the horse, and who did the paper say was the owner. He looked up at me and said it's me, from Muncie IN,,,grandma that's me! I own a horse and this paper is my proof,,,grandma let's go tell Prints!! Also in the box was a new halter and lead. So in 35 mph wind and a good 6 inches of mud, we headed to the barn. We get to the barn and he runs to Prints to hug her. He then pulls out the framed paperwork that I didn't know he had tucked under his coat. He holds the frame up to Prints and says,,,see Prints, this makes it true, you are my own special horse and I promise to love you and treat you with special care for as long as we live. This is an exciting day for both of us. Prints, is this your best Christmas? And yes, I had a tear or two in my eye. We came in the house and he kept going on and on how unbelievable it was he owned a horse. He'd go to the window and say dad, come here, there's my horse. Now remember, he has been around this horse since the day she was born. He and I sat and made a folder for Prints. I looked at my work schedule so we made a schedule for him to come over and take care of her. He also made me a list of things I was to do for her on the days he wasn't here. Included on the list was talking to her and explaining why Tommy wasn't there today, he told me Prints understands just make sure to tell her.
Before they left I asked him if he had a good Christmas, he said, when I'm 50 years old and someone asks me if I remember my best Christmas, I know I will say the Christmas I got my first horse. He then pulled a dollar from his pocket, it was to get special treats for her until he got back on Sunday.
He called me right after supper, how's Prints? Did she eat ok? Did you talk to her? Is she in the barn, its kind of cold out?
I know for all of us our horses are special, but I can't describe how beyond special this was for a little boy who shares his thoughts only with a horse. As he said, she understands.
Bonnie told me 4 years ago how very special Prints was, and although I did know, today I felt it deeply.
Thanks for your help and suggestions.